Most people wait until they feel the first cough, sniffle, or fever before they start “boosting” their immune system. Out comes the vitamin C, elderberry syrup, and maybe a cup of ginger tea. All great by the way, but how about prevention and enhancing our own body’s ability to stay well?

So, if you’re a holistic practitioner, you know that’s not when true immune support begins.
The real magic happens now — before cold and flu season arrives.

Late summer is a window of opportunity in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It’s when we focus on fortifying the body’s defenses, building reserves, and creating resilience that will carry us into the colder months. And that means right now is the perfect time to help your clients prepare — preventatively — using essential oils, acupuncture points, and other holistic wellness strategies.

Why Late Summer Matters in TCM

In TCM, late summer corresponds to the Earth Element, which governs the Spleen and Stomach systems. This is the energetic time to:

• Strengthen digestion and nutrient absorption
  
  
• Transform food into Qi (energy) and Blood
  
  
• Support the gut, where 70% of the immune system resides
  
  

When the Spleen and Stomach are strong, the entire body benefits — especially the immune system. A solid Earth Element foundation means you can generate enough Qi to feed the Lungs, which in turn fortify your Wei Qi (the body’s protective energy that guards against external pathogens).

If we neglect this season, we miss the chance to stockpile energy before the more challenging, pathogen-prone months of fall and winter.

The Wei Qi Connection

Wei Qi is like your body’s personal security team. It circulates on the surface, protecting against external “invaders” — in TCM terms, Wind, Cold, Heat, and Damp (which often manifest as seasonal illnesses). We go deep with these principles inside our certification course AcuOil Alchemy.

When Wei Qi is strong, pathogens have a harder time breaking through. When it’s weak, you’re more susceptible to everything from the common cold to lingering post-viral fatigue.

Wei Qi is powered by the Lungs but fueled by the Spleen and Stomach. That’s why this late summer Earth phase is the time to build the reserves you’ll need in autumn and winter.

Essential Oils + Acupoints for Immune Support

Essential oils carry unique energetic signatures and biochemical actions that make them powerful allies for immune support. When paired with acupuncture points, they can amplify the therapeutic effects in a way that’s fast, effective, and easy to integrate — even for non-acupuncturists (with proper training).

Here are three of my favorite oil + point combinations to start using now:

1. ST 36 (Zusanli) + Rosemary Essential Oil

Why this works: ST 36 is one of the most famous points in Chinese medicine for strengthening overall vitality. It tonifies Qi, nourishes Blood, and supports digestion — all foundational for a strong immune system.

Rosemary EO is warming, invigorating, and moves Qi. Energetically, it wakes up the system, clears stagnation, and supports clarity. Physically, it’s been shown to have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, making it a natural choice for immune health.

How to use: Use 1 drop of rosemary EO. Apply on ST 36 bilaterally (about 3 finger-widths below the kneecap, just lateral to the shinbone) for a minimum of 30 seconds up to 3 minutes, once daily during late summer and early fall.

2. LU 9 (Taiyuan) + Tea Tree Essential Oil

Why this works: LU 9 is the Yuan-Source point of the Lung meridian and a key point for tonifying Lung Qi and strengthening Wei Qi — the body’s first line of defense against pathogens. It’s especially important when we want to build long-term resilience rather than just clear acute symptoms.

Tea Tree EO is fresh, clean, and fortifying. Energetically, it strengthens the body’s defenses while helping maintain clear boundaries — both physically and emotionally. It’s antimicrobial without being too dispersing, making it an ideal partner for LU 9 in prevention-focused treatments.

How to use: Use 1 drop of tea tree EO on LU 9 (inside the wrist crease, at the radial pulse) to strengthen Lung Qi and protect Wei Qi. Use daily during late summer and early autumn for immune resilience.

3. Ren 12 (Zhongwan) + Ginger or Cardamom Essential Oil

Why this works: CV 12 is the Front-Mu point of the Stomach and the influential point for all Fu organs. It harmonizes the middle, supports digestion, and helps transform food into Qi — the raw material for immune function.

Ginger EO is warming, disperses cold, and strengthens digestion. Cardamom EO is also warming but more aromatic and digestive-focused, helping to reduce dampness and stagnation in the middle.

How to use: Ginger can be a little warming, so you can dilute 1 drop in carrier oil and apply to CV 12 (midline of the abdomen, about halfway between the navel and the bottom of the sternum) to strengthen digestion and immune reserves.

Lifestyle Strategies to Pair with Oils & Points

Essential oils and acupoints are powerful, but the best results come from combining them with daily lifestyle habits that support the immune system.

Here are my go-to late summer immune boosters:

1. Immune-Supportive Teas & Broths

• Astragalus + Goji Berry Tea: Astragalus is a classic herb for tonifying Wei Qi; goji berries nourish Blood and yin.
  
  
• Fresh Ginger Tea: Warms the body, improves digestion, and supports immune defense.
  
  
• Bone Broth: Rich in minerals and amino acids to support gut health and immunity.
  
  

2. Rest & Sleep Hygiene

Sleep is when the immune system does much of its repair and defense-building work. Aim for a consistent bedtime, reduce blue light exposure in the evenings, and create a wind-down ritual (maybe with an oil like lavender on HT 7 for calm).

3. Movement & Breathwork

• Qi Gong or Tai Chi: Gentle, mindful movement keeps Qi flowing and supports immune function.
  
  
• Deep Breathing Exercises: Strengthen Lung Qi and oxygenate tissues. Pair with a drop of eucalyptus on the palms for an extra boost.
  
  

4. Stress Reduction

Chronic stress is one of the fastest ways to weaken Wei Qi. Mind-body practices like meditation, journaling, guided imagery, and even essential oils like frankincense or bergamot on PC 6 can help calm the nervous system.

Teaching Prevention to Your Clients

Educating your clients about seasonal immunity is more than just good service — it positions you as a trusted authority and differentiates you from practitioners who only address symptoms after they appear.

Here’s how you can bring this into your practice right now:

• Offer seasonal immune boost sessions or add ons with oils + points
  
  
• Create a late summer immune support bundle with products and guidance
  
  
• Teach a mini-class or workshop for clients and their families
  
   

The Bottom Line

In TCM, prevention is the highest form of medicine. By helping your clients start immune support now — before cold and flu season arrives — you’re giving them a gift that goes beyond symptom relief. You’re strengthening their foundation, so they can meet the colder months with more energy, resilience, and vitality.

Start with simple, targeted oil + point combos like ST 36 with rosemary, LU 9 with Tea Tree, and Ren 12 with ginger. Layer in seasonal nutrition, rest, movement, and stress management. And most importantly, start now.

Want more seasonal strategies like this?
Inside my membership, we go deep into monthly oil + point combinations, seasonal client strategies, and ways to turn your wisdom into offerings that grow your practice — without burning out.

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